The ongoing political struggle in Rivers State has taken a new dimension following the screening of aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries.
In a move that has stirred significant intrigue, several top loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to make the party’s final list.
Among those not cleared by the screening committee are the former Obio/Akpor council chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, and serving lawmakers Sokari Goodboy and Victor Oko-Jumbo.
All three are widely regarded as key allies of Governor Fubara.
Political observers suggest that their failure to scale through is more than a routine exercise, viewing it instead as a clear signal of the deepening divide between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
While Fubara’s allies were sidelined, the list of cleared aspirants appears to favor figures largely seen as loyal to the Wike camp.
Those cleared to contest include:
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Maol Dumle
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Major Jack
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Enemi Alabo George
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Tonye Smart Adoki
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Tekenari Granville
Their inclusion is being viewed as a reinforcement of the former governor’s influence within the Rivers APC structure.
The screening exercise, announced by the Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, comes at a sensitive time as both camps battle for control of the State House of Assembly.
For many watchers, this outcome raises questions about whether the door is being effectively shut on Fubara’s loyalists within the party.
Governor Fubara, who was originally elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, joined the APC last year following his high-profile political dispute with Wike.
